Dominican Independence Day: February 27, 1844
Independence From Who?: From Haiti
What Happened?: The Haitian government was looking attractive to younger and smaller countries with it's appearance of wealth, power and stability. Haitian leaders agreed to merge with Haiti, hoping for political stability, and found instead a plague of heavy taxes, military disputes, and an economic crisis. The Dominican republic, after growing tired of the treatment, overthrew the Haitian Government. From the years of 1844 to 1856, Dominicans fought many attempted Haitian invasions.
Important People Involved:
- Jean-Pierre Boyer: Haiti's President, who promised protection and support to those who pledged their allegiance to him.
- Juan Pablo Duarte: Founder of a major resistance, named La Trinitaria, later renamed La Filantrópica.
- Pedro Santana: A wealthy cattle-rancher who commanded a private army. One of the leaders of the rebels.
Brief Timeline of Events:
- February 27, 1844: Rebels overthrew the Haitian power, having all Haitian Officials gone within two days. (Known today as the official Dominican Independence Day)
- March 13, 1844: Battle of Fuente del Rodeo. The Haitian commander planned three ambushes, intending to break up Dominican forces. The Dominicans, though outnumbered, had strategically planned out spots of defense. This was the defeat of Haitian forces.
- April 15, 1844: The Battle of Tortuguero. First Dominican Naval battle.
- November 6, 1844: a constitution, much like the United States', was drafted
- September 17, 1845: Battle of Estrelleta.
- November 27, 1845: Battle of Beler.
The blue of the flag represents the blue of the skies, freedom and liberty. The red stands for the blood that was spilled and the patriotic spirit of those who contributed in the fight for independence. White represents peace and dignity, so the white cross is symbolic of honor, faith and pride. In the center is the coat of arms, containing a red, white and blue shield with a flag, a bible, and a cross. To the left is an olive branch, and the right sits a palm branch. Over the shield is a blue ribbon containing the words "Dios, Patria, Libertad" (God, Fatherland, Liberty). It was adopted on November 6th of 1844 designed by the rebel leader Juan Pablo Duarte.
How is Dominican Independence Day Celebrated Today?:
Dominican Republic Independence Day is celebrated throughout the entire month of February, climaxing on the 27th. A carnival is held in the city of Santo Domingo, involving celebrations with food, colorful costumes, and many displays of the flag.
Citations:
"Dominican Holidays - Dominican Independence Day | Don Quijote." DonQuijote. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2015. <http://www.donquijote.org/culture/dominican-republic/society/holidays/dominican-independence-day>.
"Flag of Dominican Republic." , Dominican Republic Flag. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2015. <http://www.mapsofworld.com/flags/dominican-republic-flag.html>.
"Dominican War of Independence." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominican_War_of_Independence>.
